Bert Williams: Fans' Tributes

Wolves have been inundated with tributes from supporters following the passing of club legend Bert Williams.

Bert, who made 420 appearances for Wolves and won 24 England caps, will be honoured with a minute’s applause prior to kick-off of tomorrow’s game with Bristol City.

Below are a selection of the tributes received via e-mail and by the club’s Social Media channels.

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RIP Bert Williams one of the best of the very best. A wonderful example to everyone.

Geoff Bullock

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It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Bert Williams. I wish to offer my Deepest Sympathy to his Family and Friends.

As a youngster in the early 50s I became my primary school football team goalkeeper, and I also had just started to follow a team called Wolverhampton Wanderers. I lived in East Sussex and did not have a clue where Wolverhampton was, but I have been a Wolves supporter since then and still am, and try to get to our beloved Molineux when I can. I spent hours with football magazines, and football annuals, some of which I still have, reading about my new hero – Bert Williams. I was given a goalie’s jumper just like Bert wore in the pictures that I saw, and I also managed to obtain a cap like I saw Bert wearing. Not only did I wear these items playing football for the school, the story my parents used to tell people was that I was even known to go to bed wearing my Bert Williams football kit. Bert was a great inspiration to me during my time playing football, as I know he was to a lot of other people of my generation, and his skill and reputation spread beyond our time to people who follow football even up to the modern era of football.

Bert Williams was and will always be a true legend. The football world is a richer place for having had a person like Bert as one of its members. A real tribute to his family and to his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, he will be sadly missed.

Bert Williams MBE. Thank you, and may you Rest in Peace

John McIvor

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More players like Bert Williams are needed in the game today. He was loyal, dedicated and so passionate about the future of Wolves' keepers. A true gentlemen who also helped in the fight against Alzheimer's. He will always be remembered... /\_/\

Simon Furnival

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Dear Friends,

So sorry to learn that the one and only Bert Williams had passed away.

He was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and a wonderful sportsman.

I live in the West Country, but we had friends in Coseley whom we used to visit in the forties, and I always managed to get over to Molineux to see the mighty Wolves in action, led by the incomparable Billy Wright.

Then in 1954, whilst on National Service, I was stationed at RAF. Hednesford for five months (January to May), and was privileged to see all the home matches (except one , when I was confined to the sick bay with German Measles) culminating in the win over Spurs to clinch the First Division Championship.

Happy days in which Bert figured so prominently in the voracious Wolves team.

Like the marvellous Tom Finney, Bert had a delightfully long life, but he will be sadly missed by his family and friends. I had some correspondence with him some years ago when I reminded him that he had saved the mighty Wolves from defeat at Plymouth in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup in January 1950. I was there, roaring Argyle on to a victory which they would have thoroughly deserved, but for the class act in the visitors' goal. I even sent Bert a copy of the programme of that game in which he had featured so prominently.

Bert played in a different era to the modern overpaid "stars", but I loved every minute of the "Golden Era", and must confess that I have not been to a professional soccer match for 30 years, and I don't watch soccer on the television, preferring to support my grandson with his local boys team.

Names like Stan Matthews, Wilf Manion, Frank Swift, Johnny Hancocks, Jimmy Mullen, Nat Lofthouse and the greatest centre forward of all time, Tommy Lawton, roll off the tongue like butter, but I could fill a page with similar names.

Rest in peace, Bert! You ranked alongside them all.

Yours sincerely

Brian Searle

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Bert, I never saw you play, but you are the epitome of the word legend. R.I.P
Gavin Smith

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The world has lost a true gentleman and a legend. I bought my first goalkeeper’s sweater from him personally at his shop in Wolverhampton. His attitude taught me a lesson for life and has acted as a permanent guideline. I owe him a lot. We will always remember him, alongside Billy Wright, as a soccer star that was matchless both on and off the pitch.

Sleep well. Never to be forgotten.

Jim Yeomans

Cape Town

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Bert Williams set a high standard for those that have followed in his footsteps. Unlike most of today's fans I had the pleasure of watching Bert in the early 50's. He will be sadly missed by his family, his club and fans. R.I.P. Bert and thanks for the wonderful memories.

Derek Kelsey

Now resident in New Zealand

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Bert was a boyhood hero of mine and his move from Walsall to Wolves resulted in me becoming a lifelong Wolves supporter. I got to know Bert very well as he used to come and train us as apprentices at FH Lloyd. Thank you Bert for many hours of pleasure.

Roy Evans

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RIP to the great man that was Bert Williams. As I am a lifelong fan and current season ticket holder at Walsall FC I had the pleasure of meeting him last season with the FA Cup. Bert started his career playing for Walsall back in 1937 and my Grandad spoke highly of the player so it was nice to meet not only a Wolves and England Legend but a legend at my beloved Walsall FC as well. I hope that both Wolves and Walsall pay a bit tribute to him in due course as it is the least he deserves.

Kind Regards

Simon Allen

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A truly great Wolves Legend in every way. I remember my Uncle taking me to my first game at Molineux in 1949and getting my first view as an 8 year old of "The Cat".

Later my Uncle became friends with Bert and before leaving to work abroad in the early 60s with Goodyear, he received many match tickets from Bert including some of the great International games he took part in as England keeper. He later became a Season Ticket holder in the old Molineux Stand above the old Alphabetical scoreboard where I could be found in the mid 50s at reserve games when my Uncle did not attend.

Standing on the North Bank watching all those great names perform in front of me was an honour right up to this day. A wonderful team the likes of which Molineux will never see again with the country’s leading goalkeeper of that day.

Many wonderful memories from that era at Molineux – and I am still a Season Ticket holder today. Forever Wolves.

Sincere Condolences to Bert’s Family.

Tony Bibb

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Never met him but know people who have. Heard he was a true gentleman and I'm honoured to say he played for Wolves. Condolences to his family and loved ones. See you Saturday before the game, See how much that man meant to our club & country. Rest In Peace.

Jack Painter

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So sad to hear of Bert’s passing ,he was and always will be wolves best ever keeper . I watched him in the 1950’s when Wolves and Bert topped the world. He will be missed....Wolves forever.

John Aston

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I wish to add my condolences to all those expressed by fellow Wolves' supporters to Bert's family and friends. Newly arrived in Wolverhampton aged 10, I first watched Bert in action in 1951. From then onwards, I was a regular at Molineux throughout the rest of Bert's career. Even now, at the age of 72, I can relive quite vividly watching and marvelling at Bert's acrobatic cat-like saves and his majestic dominance of the goal area. I was too late on the Wolverhampton scene for the 1949 Cup Final, but I was there for the First Division titles and the floodlit games. They were indeed golden years that we older Wolves' fans cannot help but look back to with nostalgia - a time when Wolves were truly one of the best teams in the world. Bert was a vital part of that team - as he was for England for around 30 occasions. Bert was a great goalkeeper and I am proud as a Wolves' supporter that he was "ours" and that I got to see him play so often. Rest in Peace, Bert, and thank you for all the wonderful memories and for what you achieved for us - and England. K. Fletcher.

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Thank goodness that I was present at the Wolves matches in the glorious fifties. What a pleasure also to have been in the presence of greatness in the name of Bert Williams. A master at his trade and a truly wonderful example to today's overpaid and under talented players. He truly was a legend.

Mike Eagle

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Really sad to learn of the death today of Bert Williams. Such an elegant, brave and agile goalkeeper for Club and Country who performed heroics in goal in an era when ‘keepers were afforded little protection by referees. I shall always remember Bert so fondly for being part of the Wolves sides in the 1950’s, the heart and backbone of the team who so captivated my imagination and enthusiasm for my Club, a love affair that continues to this day. More recently, I have had the immense pleasure of meeting Bert on a couple of occasions at Molineux, and been touched by his humility, and his affection and enthusiasm for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Bert Williams, a true legend, a true Gentleman. RIP

Graham Unsworth

Gozo, Malta.

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Bert was a legend in football,not only a great player but also a great human being.A perfect example how players in the game today should respect one another and all others not only in football.

Sent from my iPad

Chris Portman, USA.

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Bert will be sadly missed - he was a legend for Wolves and England, a true gentlemen who always had time to stop and chat loved by all.

Lyn Colley

*Please accept my profound sympathies on the passing of Bert. As a Kentish-based Wolves supporter who as a schoolboy used to travel with the London based supporters to home games to see the likes of Knowles, Dougan, Waggy and the rest, I never saw Bert play but am so aware of the part he played in Wolves’ history.

My heart is with my late Mother who came from Lower Gornal and rests there with her family - this is where my connection with Wolves began.

Mick Baker

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Very sad news. Bert was a great goalkeeper, a great ambassador for Wolves and a gentleman who always had time for the younger players and supporters. RIP

Rob Cartwright

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A great footballer of his time our condolences for you loss.

Janice Higgs

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I would just like to say what a nice bloke Bert was. I work for Staples in Telford, where Bert used to come in and have copies of his pictures that people had sent him & news cuttings that people had sent him done. He used to have some great stories to tell about his past. I think my favourite was when Bert was visited by the great Pele at his home.
RIP Bert
Nick Jones

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While I am too young to have ever seen Bert Williams play, my overriding memory of him comes from Matt Murray’s testimonial game. I was outside the front of Molineux meeting the various 'stars' who were taking part in the Allstars team, when a car pulled up right outside the main entrance in the Billy Wright. Bert Williams got out with a few members of his family & walked round to meet all the fans. There were several people trying to get Bert to go inside & take a seat but he insisted on meeting, speaking to, posing for pictures with & signing autographs for everyone who was trying to get his attention. He received probably the best reception of anyone that came through that day, and he was so kind to everyone that wanted a bit of his time. I wish I had seen Bert Williams play for Wolves, but growing up as a fan & learning my history of the club, I am honoured that such a legend, and gentleman was such a big part of my beloved club. He will be very sadly missed.

Lisa Camm

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In my late father’s eyes the greatest Wolves goalkeeper bar none. If my father says that then that is good enough for me. Once met him at the cricket centre in Bilston. A lovely man, so kind. He even bowled to me - a great thrill. Rest in peace.

R.Blackhall

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Bert Willams Was a great legend that will always be remembered. His great attitude, on and off the pitch, and a great role model for anyone. All the best to his family and friends through this time - he will always be looking over you now forever.

Ash Lander

AND FROM TWITTER.......

Suzi Perry @suziperry Just heard about the passing of legendary Wolves gkeeper Bert Williams. An incredible talent and a true gentleman.

Richard GormanRIP Bert! Wolves Legend and a true gentleman. A sad loss for the club, the city and the world of football

Richard GormanI used to look after Bert on a match day in the Bert Williams lounge when it first opened, he was a true gentleman and genuine ambassador for the club, the city and the sport! Rest in Peace!

John O'neilVery sad news.Bert was not only a great goalkeeper, But a true gent who stayed loaly to Wolves.R.I.P Bert and god bless.

Rich FramptonThe word legend is used all to often..... But Bert Williams was just that.... A legend and a great man. RIP sir.

Roy SalterRest in peace Bert a true legend and a gentleman will always be remembered at Wolverhampton Wanderers

Joann BrownMy thoughts go out to all his family at this sad time, i have special signed autograph which he signed especially to me which i will cherish xx he also met my mother in law at the car boots at bridgenorth he always spoke to her as she was on the gate collecting the money.. sad loss x

Terry BarlowSaw him during half time at the 2003 play off final, he was queuing up for a cup of tea and mingling with us mere mortals, his lovely genuine smile beaming from ear to ear. A great man and true Wolves legend RIP with 'Sir' Billy, Broady, Waggy and Stan.

Kully MangatTo those fans who saw the 'the cat' play must have been truly priviliged.RIP

Richard RalphOur club is running desperately short of true legends. To lose yet another one is a sad day. Let's hope Bert Williams passing away can inspire our current players to become new wolves legends. R.I.P. Mr Williams.

Glynn HigginsonHad the honour to be at a Wolves function and meet Bert once.Made time for me like he knew me,a Wolves legend and gentleman of the highest regard.Very sad news Rip Bert,you really were one of our best ever.

Gladys IezziI am not a football fan but my father always used to talk about Bert and say he was one of the greats in football R.I.P. Bert condolences to Bert's family and friends you will not be forgotten Bert.

Ryan BarnettRIP to a true legend of the game. His greatness was evident both on and off the pitch.

Gaz NormanNot just a Wolves legend, a true legend of the game itself. His England display versus Italy will live forever as one of the greatest keeping performances of all time. RIP Bert and thanks for everything.

Duncan SantiagoI met Bert when I was a youngster, at a time I knew nothing about what he did for us. I wish I could have said thank you. R.I.P Bert my thoughts are with your family, friends and the whole of our fellow Wolves family.

Julie KeyWhat a lovely man, met him no end of times, to sum up bert I would say....gentleman..legend... Wolves has lost one of his finest!RIP Bert. Xxxxxx

Rich PaishThe reason im a wolves fan is because of my dad and the reason he is , is because of the great team of the 60s , he was only talking about him how great he was last week, rip legend

Gabrielle BicknellBicknells have a connection with Wolves. From my late grandfather and father I pass on best wishes to his family through myself a fan a follower. join the others on that pitch they are all congregated on. R.I.P Bert, Mr Williams

Nigel TurnerThe word legend is used too easily these days .. but when u talk of bert Williams then the word legend is not enough ... one of the finest gentlemen u will ever meet ... and a bloody good keeper to boot . Rest in peace sir bert ... a fine innings .

Denis EvansHad the privilege to see him play, both for Wolves and England, a true gentleman, a true Wolves legend, RIP Bert.

Keith KirkhamWas the best goalkeeper of his time a true great and gentleman my uncle jack [john Kirkham] played for wolves in the 30 s and 40s and my dad used to take me as a youngster and they used to pass me down to the front what at team they had then RIP bert my thoughts are with his family .

John BlakemoreR.I.P Bert Williams and condolences to the Williams family from a Baggies fan.

David HandleyOnly saw Bert play on old recorded footage but my father told me how brilliant he was for both Wolves and England
Condolences to the family
R.I.P Bert a true Wolves legend

Wayne DevaneyYou might have used all your nine lives Bert, but 93 clean sheets between the sticks thats not bad at all, Rip Cat, thanx for the memory amen

Nick HooperAlthough not my era, I have read about Bert and seen footage of his agility between the sticks, also interviews. I can quite honestly say he was a true gentleman and a total legend without a bad thing to say about anybody. Thoughts to his family and friends, rest in peace "CAT"

Brian HortonPlease pass on my regards to this great great man my father passed 8 years ago and told me many a story of the great man god bless your soul Bert

John WaltersThanks for being a wolf Bert a true gent and one of the best.

Keith HickmanAbsolute Legend will be sadly missed by anyone connected with Wolves and football in general. Bert and his generation didn't need massive salaries to motivate them.
RIP Bert.

Mark WardAnother alltime great passes away though I never saw you play your name is still mentioned throughout the years and will stoll do so for many more R.I.P

John OwenReally sad news, he obviously loved the club and always took a keen interest in our talented crop of young keepers. Murray & Hennessey in particular seemed to be really close to him.
Another link to the days when Wolves were the envy of Europe is gone. Rest in peace Bert.

Garry IrelandFrequently saw Wolves under floodlights when Bert played
How many times did we see the ball speeding towards the top corner of his goal and out of darkness came The Cat and pushed it over...THE VERY BEST..ask the Italian national team of the time

Shaun E RutterA former neighbour of mine in Lilleshall when I was a child.. Wolves have not had legends of his ilk for many years (I do consider Bully as a legend, though).. Bert Williams ~ RESPECT !!

Stuart FavillToo young to have sen Bert play, but was lucky enough to meet him a few times, a true sporting legend, a gentleman and fundraiser for a great cause. If there's a heaven, and i'm pretty sure there is, you booked your place in the squad a long time ago. peace.

Neil Wasdellgod bless bert lovley fella i had the privelage of meeting you a couple of times at my old car dealership...you came and enquired about a rover 45...in all honesty i had no interest in selling you anything i was more than happy just to sit and listen to you and talk about the wolves and drink tea.....rip wolves legend

Chris Smithnever got to saw him play cuz wasnt born but i have watched videos of him play and i must say he is one of the best goalkeepers to play for wolves and england a true legand R.I.P bert williams